Rotasha Kellam
Rotasha Kellam is a seasoned beauty and barber professional with nearly three decades of experience in the cosmetology and barbering industry. Her journey began in high school when she combined academic and vocational tracks, earning her cosmetology license immediately upon graduation. Over the years, she expanded her expertise, earning senior cosmetologist and master barber certifications, and developed a deep understanding of both the technical and business aspects of the industry. Rotasha also holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Morgan State University, which has helped her merge entrepreneurial insight with her passion for beauty and barbering.
As an entrepreneur, Rotasha founded Rose Thairapy Group, where she provides luxury hair care services and vocational training to aspiring beauty professionals. She has also served as a director at a beauty and barber school, specializing in state board exam preparation and student mentorship. In this role, she focuses on reducing exam anxiety, guiding students through practical simulations, and ensuring they are fully prepared to launch their careers with confidence. Her dedication has helped countless students pass their licensing exams and enter the workforce successfully.
Beyond her professional achievements, Rotasha is committed to community impact and creative expression. She actively participates in initiatives like More Than a Shop, bridging beauty services with healthcare and social resources to support her community. Drawing inspiration from music, theater, and art, she thrives in creative spaces and channels that energy into mentoring the next generation of beauty professionals. Through her work, Rotasha continues to pass the baton, empowering others to build thriving, regulated careers while upholding the highest standards of artistry and professionalism.
• Master Barber
• Licensed Barber
• Senior Cosmetologist License
• Morgan State University - BS
• National Beauty Culturalist League
• More Than a Shop
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to everyone who has supported me along the way - my higher power, as well as my family and friends.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell her to explore her likes and start with what she's interested in. Seek those opportunities where you can be in a space and place with things that you're interested in, to truly be able to evaluate if that's the path you want to take, or if the way you've witnessed is the way you want to go. There are so many opportunities out here, and we may not be exposed to everything at a time and place, but just being open to nurture yourself in that right way will feed you. Don't be afraid to explore, because there are so many paths available that you might not even know about yet.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I think a major challenge in my field is just the exposure to things through social media. Aspects of our profession can get watered down, and non-professionals or influencers may be more popular and have more influence than actual licensed professionals. So we have to weed through things that are going to benefit our clientele and the integrity of our industry, versus things that are just popular or fluff. Although I believe social media is a good thing for us when used properly, working against that noise can be a challenge. We have to make sure we produce and present just as much good content to negate things that probably aren't reflective of what our profession would want to promote. It pushes us to be intentional about maintaining professional standards while navigating the influence of social media trends.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my professional and personal life are integrity, transparency, and love. I strive to act with honesty and ethical responsibility, communicate openly and clearly, and approach every interaction with care and compassion.